Jalon Daniels Lights A Spark On Offense. But Is It Enough?
August 22nd, 2026
Makes plays.
Boy, this Jalon Daniels is exactly what Joe hoped he would be.
Joe remembers seeing Daniels in college playing for Kansas. Damn he was fun to watch, but he was as brittle as Benjamin Morrison. Joe loved how the Bucs signed him as an undrafted free agent. The word “fun’ kept bouncing in Joe’s head. Daniels has talent.
Joe got a chance to talk to Daniels’ parents after an early training camp practice and Joe told them their son is dangerous and Joe was happy the Bucs signed him.
But is he ready to be a backup to Baker Mayfield, as a No. 2 quarterback? Joe’s not sure about that.
Look, there was nothing not to like how Daniels brought instant excitement and a jolt to the offense Saturday night. He got the offense rolling when Jake Browning was absolutely getting beat to a pulp as his offensive line was basically five turnstiles.
Kansas City’s short-order cooks on defense had to respect Daniels’ legs, which helped open up the offense.
Chucky, the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning coach, was working the game on the WFLA-TV Channel 8 broadcast and pointed out what he liked about Daniels and what concerned him.
Chucky noted on two consecutive plays Daniels was late getting out of the huddle, which sort told Chucky that Daniels was struggling with Zac Robinson’s playcalls. Maybe five minutes later, when being interviewed live on the game broadcast, Baker Mayfield said the biggest hurdle Daniels will have as a rookie is getting Robinson’s playcalls down.
Chucky was certainly onto something there.
Daniels was struggling with snaps from center, Chucky also noted. That sounds like a quarterback who was always in shotgun in college and high school and isn’t yet comfortable taking snaps from center.
Chucky also noted Daniels needs work throwing to the sidelines on short passes.
Does Joe like the results Daniels had? Yeah. Does Joe think the Bucs have something to work with? No doubt. Does Joe think Daniels is ready to be a No. 2 quarterback to Mayfield, who is known to take punishment from defenses?
Joe’s not willing to go there. Yet.
August 22nd, 2026 at 11:53 pm
A starling is born. He is athletic and smart. He is number 2. Will be a starter. Someday
August 22nd, 2026 at 11:54 pm
Oh; Baker looked horrific. Not that it matters…..preseason game.
August 22nd, 2026 at 11:56 pm
Everything you said is 100 percent Joe! Love the fire the kid brings. But it’s in the second half of these games. Hopefully, the coaches are/will be working him in to the second team. I know browning has more experience and has been working second team, but Daniel’s should definitely be in there competing with him.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:07 am
Would like to see this kid against some stiffer competition, i.e. 1st and 2nd line players and see if what he does holds up with better players out there. I also would like to see how his intermediate and deep passes are when not running for his life. But I really like this kid, though not thrilled with his height. One thing I like is I didn’t see a pass thrown at a player’s kneecaps (*cough* Baker *cough*). Could be a diamond in the rough future starter. He definitely has the ability to get things going, and his legs helps open the offense up a bit. Hopefully they give him plenty of time next week.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:10 am
Browning hasnt shown anything. Daniels should be working with the2nd Team more often
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:28 am
If we let Jaylon Daniels out the door the Atlanta Falcons will snatch him up in a second to haunt the Buccaneers sometime in the future twice a year.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:29 am
Yes it is enough, he is better than Browning. If Baker goes down we are done, Daniels has more upside. Bazelak wasn’t even in the game today–👀
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:31 am
The biggest concern from Browning, for me, is the lack of zip on his passes. He’s throwing a bunch of soft serve garbage. I didn’t remember his arm being that weak so I went back and was rewatching his highlights from 2023, when he had a good run when forced to start, and well… his arm doesn’t look all that much better. Chase and Higgins were making a bunch of plays to bail him out, although Browning did have some pretty good accuracy.
While there were a few plays where Browning had some NFL zip on his passes, for the most part it was like watching Kyle Trask’s tape from the preseason of his rookie year, where he was more aiming the ball rather than throwing it.
Personally I’d have no issues handing the job to Daniels. If either Daniels or Browning have to play an extended amount of snaps the Bucs are probably screwed, but both are better than Teddy was last year. Also, with Daniels, you could try to let him make plays on the ground.
As far as the cap goes, Browning has $400K guaranteed – and the Bucs would only save around $50,000 in cap space if they went with Daniels, so basically the cap isn’t a consideration.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:36 am
It’s hard not to get too excited after what the O showed when Browning was on the field. Yeah, I know the OL situation was beyond bad in the first half…but it’s not like Daniels was out there with studs. The question this team needs to answer is whether they’re content with going turtle with Browning or risking the chance of something interesting and dynamic happening with Daniels. Let him play the bulk of game 3. If the aura holds, take the risk. Try to put Browning on the P-Squad.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:42 am
Frank Pillow – The chance that another team would grab Daniels, and give him a roster spot, is very low since he’s only been doing this against 3rd and 4th stringers. I think that’s a big part of the reason that Ballzsack started last week, they didn’t want Daniels to get on anyones radar. Anywho, I think the Bucs will be pretty safe to get him onto the practice squad, but if not, it wouldn’t shock me if they just made him the backup, and put Browning on the practice squad, as I think it’s really unlikely any team would sign him if he lost his job to an UDFA.
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:42 am
Positive takeaways… Jalen should be the backup.
The rookie CB has made the team. Dynamic.
Scott looks like the real deal in the nickel
Suddenly the depth at OLB/edge with BAIN, Yaya, Nelson, Walker, Mohammed, Kamara looks awesome
Bain only really went at the quarterback twice and both times looked real good.
Walker was extremely impressive.
Muhammed looked impressive.
Didn’t see much on the offense other than jail and a QB and Josh Williams is giving Tucker a real run for his money
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:45 am
All good on Daniel’s, until we realize he hasn’t thrown a pass over 15 yards yet. Can he make ALL the throws?
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:50 am
I forgot to mention a healthy KAM back returning kicks. He’ll be the sixth receiver because of that. He is dynamic.
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:11 am
The first big hit on Browning was downright brutal, up there with the Clowney college hit in 2013.
Wow! That one had to hurt.
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:16 am
I has very basic fixable things about him. He’s gonna be pretty good
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:16 am
Jalon Daniels is the Real Deal. They seem to have all his issues from college and he looks like a legit NFL QB now.
He should absolutely be the #2 QB behind Baker. He absolutely gives us the best chance to win if Baker goes down.
And next year, we should strongly consider letting Baker (and his team-crippling salary) walk and make Daniels our QB1.
Yes, he’s that good.
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:22 am
Jason Licht isn’t releasing Daniels without knowing in advance the kid will never play for the Bucs again. I can think of a half dozen teams who’d instantly make room for him on their 53. He’s unproven but too good not to develop.
I say this with all sincerity – Daniels is more likely to be traded by the Bucs than waived in 2026.
Browning is still the QB2. For now.
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:34 am
Browning is horrible
Daniels is green and raw but I would have him over browning at least he can run
Neither is good
And no Daniels will never be a starter if he is your team would be 0-17
Some of you are delusional
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:41 am
Shaun King 2.0
August 23rd, 2026 at 2:03 am
This black dude should be the back up QB
Anything happen to Baker this guy can still make some plays
Also wtf was that first team offense ???
wtf type play calling was that. Sideways screen game ?
Offense looked trash today, hey let me give the new OC some advice
THROW THE BALL DOWNFIELD NOT SIDEWAYS
August 23rd, 2026 at 6:18 am
This is scary. I agree with everything Rod Munch wrote.
August 23rd, 2026 at 6:23 am
You’re not going to win with Browning if Baker goes down so why is this even a debate? Should we lose Baker it would be better for the teams future to go with Daniels. His talent out trumps his lack of experience although he’s played a ton of college football. The moment isn’t to big for him. Browning looked like the deer in the headlights not JD. The TD throw to Ko by Daniels is why he should backup Baker. Browning simply could not have made that type of play, he’s incapable. Send Browning to the PS, make JD the backup. He’s earned it, no?
August 23rd, 2026 at 6:49 am
Daniels is QB2. Everything he needs to learn you cant learn in practice. He has to play in real games to get real experience. And since Daniels is showing promise, Baker will not come off the field under any circumstances this season. Too much at stake. Plus the backup is inconsequential since Bowles won’t let the backup take any meaningful snaps in a real game. He won’t develop a rookie with his job on the line. Looking forward to seeing more of Jalon with the 1s though.
He should start next week. And if he does start next week and has another good performance, Baker will be looking over his shoulder. Let the games begin.
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:18 am
Browning is an interception and/or sack waiting to happen.
If the Bucs want a chance at winning a game with Browning at QB, the other team’s QB better be equally inept.
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:24 am
lol “playing against short order cooks “ Good one Joe, I said playing against UPS drivers (at least they make decent money and have benefits),, The kid to the practice squad ,, I wish Browning wasn’t the back up and we got a quality , proven , back up but we haven’t had one in a long time
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:50 am
Daniels won’t get through waivers…every teams has scouts that look at other team’s cast offs. QB is the HARDEST position to develop. No doubt Daniels has pop, energy and an arm. ANother team will grab him and try to develop him. We’d be stupid to try to sneak him onto the PS.
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:56 am
They’re not going to let sit behind Baker because he’s a threat to Baker if Baker goes down. Bowles will rather lose every game and get fired before he sat Baker down if he get injured just like he did in 2023 when Baker was really hurt and we almost lost that game because he was afraid Trask would come in and play good. I mean the Joe’s can say what they want and set narratives and you people can believe them all you want. But even Jason Licht haven’t said Baker was better than Trask in that camp. So Daniels ain’t getting a real chance to be the backup or get developed as long as Bowles is here. NFC championship or bust this year 4 no more excuses!!
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:05 am
When he is good he is very good
But he is EXTREMELY inconsistent delivering the ball to the NFL spot .
His ball placement to his receiver is all over the place including right on target.
It’s the poorly placed ball’s that will either get intercepted or get the receiver killed!
I suspect that is why he was un drafted .
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:07 am
Luke Haggard made one of the dumbest holding penalties I have seen. I rooted for the guy last season, but not so sure about him now. Daniels reminds me of Kyle Murray a bit.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:08 am
The back up Quarter back position is a real liability this year if the Ironman Baker goes down….Licht dropped the ball on this one…Daniels an undrafted young talent who is way too green to perform under the lights with the big boys , and Browning looks beyond mediocre at best! I mean the Raiders in essence have Cousins to come in who can torch a Bowles led defensive for 500 yds at will, even guys like Jameis or Jones, or Flacco etc. have way more upside to keep the ship righted. The morons on here who dislike Baker playing thru injuries better hope he continues that level of dedication and not to finally decide in a contract year to not worsen any injuries, because say a 4-6 week stretch without him and the season is over!
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:09 am
Oh and speaking of holds, Jack Pyburn was blatantly held on is way to what appeared to be another sack.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:09 am
@Rod
If a team watches Daniels’ film, they are going to want him. There’s no way we can put him on the practice squad. He must either be our #2 or we keep 3 on the 53.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:15 am
Oneilbuc Says:
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:56 am
You are so right. Bowles was so concerned about being right with selecting Baker as starter that he never wanted Kyle to play. Kyle was heads and shoulders better than Baker but Bowles would rather play a hurt Baker than allow Kyle to play because he knows Kyle is better than Baker. That’s why he got rid of Kyle and signed the ridiculous Teddy. That’s the reason I turned on Toad, that he puts his ego above the team.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:15 am
Oneilbuc Says:
August 23rd, 2026 at 7:56 am
Onelibuc, You are so right. Bowles was so concerned about being right with selecting Baker as starter that he never wanted Kyle to play. Kyle was heads and shoulders better than Baker but Bowles would rather play a hurt Baker than allow Kyle to play because he knows Kyle is better than Baker. That’s why he got rid of Kyle and signed the ridiculous Teddy. That’s the reason I turned on Toad, that he puts his ego above the team.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:36 am
Kidflo. You guys love to use the word hate answer this question for me why would anyone hate a guy they don’t know personally? Maybe it’s his play on the field in big moments in big games is why people criticize Baker not him personally. I was one who said Baker is leading the MVP race and I truly believe that once the season starts all of us will be rooting for Baker to play well and we get to the NFC championship at least. I don’t think people have a problem giving Baker credit when he’s playing good but you guys have a problem when Baker plays bad and people say he had a bad game or he needs to play better in clutch moments in playoff games or games we can close out the division and prime time games.
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:50 am
ONEIBUC; OK I can use all the different adjectives u want, but it still doesn’t change the fact that people on this thread want Daniel’s over Baker, because he handed the ball off last night, which was the O.C play calls BTW and to cut Baker to save 50 million and have him start in his place!!!….this year mind you, I mean defending that line of thinking I really don’t have anything left to say, my dog is on the floor laughing at how bad a take that is, and he obviously knows more about football
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:56 am
Start JD next game. Browning is not going to survive, if the line can’t protect him. I guess we’ll see how this plays out.
August 23rd, 2026 at 9:52 am
I’m not a professional football coach, but Browning looked like he belonged in a bowl with Mr Yellow and Daniels looked pretty darn good. Simplistic, but that’s what Fred saw.
August 23rd, 2026 at 10:46 am
I would like to see Daniels developed. I also agree he needs to work more with starters and second tem. He should be the backup because so far he looks better and I think he could learn quickly. The choice to let him sit behind Baker and develop along with good coaching would be the right move.
August 23rd, 2026 at 11:01 am
The results are Ws with this kid.. maybe he can’t do this or that who cares if it’s a w
August 23rd, 2026 at 12:26 pm
Geez what ever happened to competing and earning a job
Browning hasn’t earned it by his play…Daniels has…
GO BUCS
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:03 pm
DBS. I agree 💯 percent!!
August 23rd, 2026 at 1:20 pm
I think we have a good QB room. I’m not writing Browning off. His O line was often poor. He is clearly a tough guy He got his bell rung several times and did not turn the ball over. How can we evaluate a QB that had an invisible line. Kieft was in with Daniels, not sure if he was in with Browning. When Ko is in its like adding a lineman. Daniels has better wheels than Browning too. His kept the D back on their heels a little. The running QB is not a good long-term strategy in the NFL. Zac owns the entire offense. I am a little concerned about Zac Robinson and very concerned about how poorly coached the back up O line looked. Grizz should have been gone way before the season ended. Can’t make that mistake again. I think we need a back up plan in case Zac turns into Grizz 2.0. Unless Bruce is willing to step in should things go sideways a consultant like Doug Pederson is a smart idea. Dependable depth on the O line looks like our biggest weakness.
August 23rd, 2026 at 2:19 pm
It should be noted again that the offensive line Browning was given to work with was nothing less than sub-standard..That unit should begin cleaning out it’s lockers om Monday morning..Daniels has proven only one thing, that he can out maneuver 3rd and 4th teams in the NFL..At this point in time he is not ready for top defenses and crafty defensive coordinators in the league…The irrational exuberance needs to be tempered…
August 23rd, 2026 at 8:54 pm
BROWNING LOOKS DISAPOINTING NOT SOLD ON HIM.
August 24th, 2026 at 8:49 am
I don’t like the idea of having an undrafted rookie as the QB2, but Brock Purdy was one pick from being an UFA. Warner and Delhomme, among others, were UFA’s. Hell, Warren Moon was passed on in a 12 round draft. I don’t like the idea, but it’s not unheard of that a diamond in the rough squeaks through.
All that said… I’d far prefer him as a QB2 than as a QB3. It’s dangerous. I get that, but we need to go dumpster diving for a CB and we can’t afford wasting one on a QB3.